The High Court has found that National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula violated the Constitution when he declared Kenya Kwanza as the majority party in the National Assembly following the 2022 General Election. The court cited a lack of sufficient evidence to support his decision, which had sparked controversy among political factions.
The case was filed by opposition lawmakers who argued that Wetang’ula’s decision unfairly tilted the balance of power in favor of President William Ruto’s coalition. They contended that the Speaker ignored clear legal provisions and failed to follow due process in determining the majority side.
In its ruling, the High Court stated that the Speaker overstepped his constitutional mandate by making a unilateral declaration without proper justification. “The decision was not based on clear and verifiable legal grounds, rendering it unconstitutional,” the judgment read in part.
The ruling now raises questions about the legitimacy of key decisions made under the Kenya Kwanza majority in the National Assembly. Legal experts suggest that it could set a precedent for future parliamentary leadership disputes and reinforce the need for strict adherence to constitutional guidelines.
Following the judgment, opposition leaders have called for corrective measures, including a fresh determination of the House majority. However, Kenya Kwanza legislators dismissed the ruling as politically motivated, insisting that their coalition rightfully holds the majority.
Speaker Wetang’ula has yet to issue an official statement but is expected to appeal the ruling. If upheld, the verdict could significantly impact the country’s parliamentary dynamics and governance structure.
As political tensions rise, all eyes are now on the National Assembly to see how it will navigate this legal and constitutional challenge.
By Newshub